Today Is Human Rights Day (Also, Every Day Should Be Human Rights Day)

In 1950, the U.N. General Assembly declared December 10 Human Rights Day. It was on December 10, 1948, after World War II, that the United Nations adopted its Universal Declaration of Human Rights which, in 30 articles, lays out what the international organization deems basic rights to which all human being are entitled—including the "right to life, liberty, and security of person" as well as freedom from slavery or servitude.

Today, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the U.N.'s High Commissioner for Human Rights, released a statement reaffirming the organization's commitment to preserving and recognizing the declaration.

These human rights are not country-specific. They are not a reward for good behavior, or particular to a certain era or social group. They are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year.

They are the rights of people of every color, from every race and ethnic group; whether or not they have disabilities; citizens or migrants; no matter their sex, their class, their caste, their creed, their age, or sexual orientation.

And while only one day each year is marked as Human Rights Day, it's important to remember that every day should be human rights day.

"The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world," Al Hussein writes. "It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible—365 days a year. Every day is Human Rights day: a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity, and freedom."